How to communicate with your partner
Becoming a parent come with new responsibilities. Being able to communicate effectively with your partner can reduce the number of conflicts that can arise during the transition to parenthood. Learn more on setting realistic expectations for managing conflict, tips for a healthy communication with your partner, and where to get help.
Setting realistic expectations for managing conflict
When a couple learns to effectively communicate, maintain satisfaction with the relationship, and share co-parenting responsibilities prior to the birth of their baby, the number of conflicts that arise during parenthood can be reduced.
Topics which expectant parents should discuss prior to parenthood include:
- Changes to their sex life. (It is recommended to wait at least six weeks following the birth to allow a woman time to heal from the birth.)
- How they will take time to nurture their relationship.
- How they will support each other in caring for the baby.
- How they will recognize signs of postpartum depression in each other.*
*Parental mental health problems must be recognized as soon as possible and shared with a health care professional so that the person can receive the support needed.
Tips for a healthy communication with your partner:
- Talk when you are both calm.
- Know what you are really fighting about.
- State the problem clearly.
- Stick to one issue.
- Attack the problem not the person.
- Leave the past. Stick to the present.
- Be willing to listen.
- Brainstorm solutions.
- Give and take.
- Admit when you are wrong.
Communicating Effectively
Couples who experience conflict can benefit greatly from learning to communicate more effectively with each other. To become better communicators, couples are encouraged to:
- Review their communication style.
- Review how they respond to conflict.
- Learn how to effectively collaborate with their partner when conflicts arise.
- Utilize the services of a mediator or a counsellor.
If you find that you are having difficulties managing conflict by yourself, you may need to be referred to a professional such as a psychologist, social worker, or counsellor to help you work through your communication challenges. Some workplaces provide employees, and their families, with Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs). These are confidential third-party services designed to assist people with personal problems by offering counselling services and other such resources.
This item was last modified on February 12, 2024